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5 Reasons Why Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact in Your Community

11/23/2022

5 Reasons Why Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact in Your Community

5 Reasons Why Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact in Your Community

‘Tis the season for warm drinks, twinkle lights, festive gatherings, and gift giving. Yes—it’s officially the holiday season and it’s time to start thinking about what to give your loved ones.

While online shopping may seem the way to go as it’s more convenient and sometimes more accessible to folks, there’s a different, more impactful, route you could take this year for gifts—shopping local!

Shopping local businesses for the holidays have so many benefits, from boosting the local economy to more personable and creative gifts. You’re just in time for this year’s Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 26th, an annual initiative that directs and encourages consumers to shop small each holiday season.

Read on to learn five reasons why shopping small can make a huge impact in our communities this holiday season.

Giving Back to the Local Economy
Buying from that local corner shop not only financially helps the shop owner and their family, but you’re actually putting money back into the community. How? Because the tax dollars on what you purchase stay local, and in return can be used to better the community. According to Civic Economics “on average, 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores.” It’s a win-win-win!

Supports Local Attraction & Tourism
Successful local shops can really draw in a crowd. Sometimes a local shop can be the main destination for tourists, which is great news for the community. This kind of attraction can do wonders for tourism like increasing sales for other businesses (restaurants, lodges, etc.) and can overall boost the local economy.

Buy creative, quality products
While shopping online or at large chain stores can be cheaper, the quality and personalization is probably lacking. At local shops, you can typically expect to find high quality products that are more creative, thoughtful, and unique. Local shops will sometimes sell the work of community artisans that are customizable and one-of-a-kind. These kinds of gifts can be extra special, not only to the gift receiver, but for the artisan you are supporting this season as well.

Connect with business owners
At big box stores, consumers are seen as dollar signs no matter how often you shop at the establishment. But at a small business, you can make real connections with the employees and the business owner. Shop owners love to know who is supporting their business and consumers enjoy learning about the business and the products that are available.

Experience special events
Oftentimes, especially throughout the holiday season, local shops will hold events like wine tastings, meet-and-greets with local artists, and product demos. This is a great way to interact with employees, sample products, and make memories!

Feel good this holiday season
Feel good this season knowing you're supporting a local business, the community, and giving quality gifts to friends and families. No consumer guilt on your hand this season!

Keep local businesses thriving
Perhaps one of the greatest perks of local shopping this holiday season is helping small business owners and employees thrive and maintain employment. These folks rely on the support from their own community and the visitors that pass through, and often times sales during the holiday season are what keeps the business going through the winter. 

Each year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is critical for small business owners. This is the day when holiday shopping officially begins for most consumers and small business owners use this opportunity to hold giveaways, special events, and offer discounts and sales for shoppers.

Though we encourage our customers to shop small all-year-round, it’s even more important during the holiday season.

We hope you have the chance to stop by a local shop this season to chat with the employees, shop owners, and perhaps leave with a special gift—or two—for a loved one. Happy shopping!